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5/3/1 Powerbuilding - Simplest Strength Format
Intermediate–AdvancedFree

5/3/1 Powerbuilding - Simplest Strength Format

Steve R.
Steve R.· May 2024
248athletes running this program
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
4 weeks
Days / week
4 days
Level
Intermediate, Advanced
Goal
Muscle, Strength
Equipment
Full Gym
Session length
90 min
This is my take on the 5/3/1 Simplest Strength Template from the 5/3/1 book. Really wanted to try out 5/3/1 to get back to basics and work at a lower rep range, focus on some singles and also building up my OHP. When putting in ORM for the first time be sure you are doing 90% of your actual ORM to be a training max. You can then rerun the program by adding 10lbs for lower exercises and 5lbs for upper exercises after each cycle.

Who it's for

Athletes at the Intermediate–Advanced level
Athletes focused on gaining both size and strength
Athletes who can train 4 days per week
Athletes with access to a full gym (barbells, dumbbells, cables, and machines)

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Glutes
10.5%
Front Delts
10.3%
Triceps
9.6%
Hamstrings
9.2%
Quadriceps
8.3%
Abs
7.7%
Upper Back
7%
Lower Back
7%
Chest
6.6%
Middle Delts
6.6%
Biceps
5.7%
Lats
3.9%
Rear Delts
2.8%
Calves
2.2%
Forearms
1.8%
Adductors
0.9%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Barbell)15 reps75%
15 reps80%
2Bench Press (Barbell)1AMRAP85%
3Incline Bench Press (Barbell)110 reps50%
110 reps60%
110 reps70%
4Lat Pulldown (Single Arm)310–12 reps@8
5Face Pull310–12 reps@8
6Skull Crusher310–12 reps@8
7Hammer Curl310–12 reps@8
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Barbell)15 reps75%
15 reps80%
2Squat (Barbell)1AMRAP85%
3Stiff Leg Deadlift110 reps50%
110 reps60%
110 reps70%
4Leg Extension310–12 reps@8
5Lying Leg Curl310–12 reps@8
6Back Extension310–12 reps@8
7Sit Up310–12 reps@8
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Overhead Press (Barbell)15 reps75%
15 reps80%
2Overhead Press (Barbell)1AMRAP85%
3Bench Press (Close Grip)110 reps50%
110 reps60%
110 reps70%
4Upright Row (Barbell)310–12 reps@8
5Kroc Row310–12 reps@8
6Tricep Rope Push Down (Cable)310–12 reps@8
7Bicep Curl (Barbell)310–12 reps@8
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Deadlift (Barbell)15 reps75%
15 reps80%
2Deadlift (Barbell)1AMRAP85%
3Front Squat (Barbell)110 reps50%
110 reps60%
110 reps70%
Superset
4AFront Raise310–12 reps@8
4BLateral Raise (Dumbbell)310–12 reps@8
5Standing Calf Raise310–15 reps@8
6Glute Bridge (Dumbbell)310–12 reps@8
7Side Bend (Dumbbell)315–20 reps@8

Weeks 2–4 are in the app

Download Boostcamp to follow the full program with auto-progression and built-in coaching notes.

Common questions

Yes, 5/3/1 Powerbuilding - Simplest Strength Format is completely free to follow on Boostcamp. Download the app on iOS or Android, find the program, and start your first workout immediately. All 4 weeks are fully unlocked.

This program is built around a full gym. Make sure you have consistent access before starting, since the progression model assumes you can perform the same movements week over week.

Each session typically takes around 90 minutes to complete. That estimate covers your working sets but doesn't account for warm-up or rest between sets, so budget a little extra time when you're first learning the movements.

5/3/1 Powerbuilding - Simplest Strength Format is structured around 4 training days per week, with rest days built in to allow for recovery. The Boostcamp app lets you reschedule sessions if your week doesn't go to plan.

The program runs for 4 weeks. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.

5/3/1 Powerbuilding - Simplest Strength Format is available inside the Boostcamp app, free on iOS and Android. Once you download the app, you can search for the program by name. The app tracks all your sets and weights automatically, so you always know exactly what to do next session.

Get started

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Auto-progressionWeights and targets update automatically based on how you perform.
Coaching notesBuilt-in cues from the creator inside every workout session.
Progress trackingLog every set and see your strength gains over weeks and months.
Advanced analyticsTrack volume, intensity, and 1RM trends to see exactly how your training is evolving.
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